Abstract
This study focuses on the experience of international students from Portuguese-speaking African countries in Higher Education in Portugal, specifically Guineans. It aimed to identify and understand the barriers experienced by these students in their academic trajectory, as well as to present recommendations for improving both social integration and academic success. In this perspective, eleven Guinean students that attend a Portuguese university were interviewed. The results show that students are faced with several barriers that affect not only their adaptation and social integration, but also their learning and, above all, their success. These include the delay in obtaining the visa, poor proficiency in Portuguese language, difficulty in finding accommodation and socio-cultural issues. There are also financial difficulties, in adapting to the new academic environment and learning difficulties. Finally, a set of recommendations is presented which aim to significantly improve the integration and success of this student group in Portugal.
Keywords:
Guinean students; Higher Education; Portugal; barriers; recommendations